due to its lofty international reserves. Meanwhile, Thai and US interest rates and bond yields were declining due to several factors. There were, for instance, political strife between North Korea and

Annual Report 2009 1 Annual Report 20092 Over the past year, the Thai economy experienced a recession for the first time since the Asian economic crisis in 1997. The first quarter saw a 7.1 percent contraction as a result of sluggish export in the midst of global financial crisis, diminishing demand of domestic private sector, and lack of confidence in economic and political directions. All these factors played out against a backdrop of weakening economies of our trade partners worldwide, which...

and environmental laws. Under these circumstances, there is a risk that the variety of legal influences may cause unintentional overlaps and even conflicts, which may frustrate the ability to pursue key

Annual Report 2006 Khon... the classical masked drama since the Ayudhya period (A.D. 1350-1767). It is performed to the epic of Ramayana, which portrays the war between Rama (the Righteous King) and Totsakan (the Demon King), the Conquer of Good over Evil. Khon masks... headdresses worn by Khon performers, the single most important character-identifying piece of Khon costume. The masks, now an invaluable export item, epitomize the exquisite beauty and unique elegance of Thai fine arts. In Suppor...